Managing wireless device frequency band assignment

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods provide for assignment of wireless devices to a frequency band for a particular RAT. The method may include determining corresponding bandwidths for each frequency band, calculating a ratio of each bandwidth to a total bandwidth, and ranking each band based on bandwidth. The method may further include assigning wireless devices to the frequency bands based on the rankings of each band and the caps imposed on each band.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

A wireless network, such as a cellular network, can include an accessnode (e.g., base station) serving multiple wireless devices or userequipment (UE) in a geographical area covered by a radio frequencytransmission provided by the access node. As technology has evolved,different carriers within the cellular network may utilize differenttypes of radio access technologies (RATs). RATs can include, forexample, 3G RATs (e.g., GSM, CDMA etc.), 4G RATs (e.g., WiMax, Long TermEvolution (LTE), etc.), and 5G RATs (new radio (NR)). Deployment of theevolving RATs in a network provides numerous benefits. For example,newer RATs may provide additional resources to subscribers, fastercommunications speeds, and other advantages. However, newer technologiesmay also have limited range in comparison to existing technologies. Toensure consistent coverage through a wide geographic range, existingtechnologies such as 4G are often used in combination with newertechnologies such as 5GNR.

When multiple RATs are used in combination, access nodes may utilizemultiple channels having different frequency bands and/or transmissionchannels for deploying different RATs over a wireless air interface.Additionally, one access node transmitting over one channel may functionas a master node having the capability to assign wireless devices to oneof multiple secondary nodes transmitting over different channels and/ordifferent RATs. The ability of the master node to assign wirelessdevices to secondary nodes can improve performance for the wirelessdevices.

In dual connectivity environment, mobile devices are able to connect tomultiple RATs simultaneously. For example, wireless devices may connectto 4G LTE and 5G NR simultaneously. This configuration is known asE-UTRAN New Radio Dual Connectivity or EN-DC. While the transfer of datamay be divided between LTE and NR, a 4G LTE evolved NodeB (eNB) may bein control of the dual-connectivity. When a mobile device wants toexchange data with the network it establishes a connection with the LTEnetwork. If the eNB has an integrated next generation NodeB (gNB) and ifthe mobile device indicates support for EN-DC on a frequency band thegNB is operated on, the LTE eNB will instruct the mobile device to makemeasurements on the NR channel. If a signal is found, the eNB may thencommunicate to the gNB and give it all necessary parameters to establisha connection to the mobile device as well.

The EN-DC configuration is a generally static configuration in which oneLTE carrier utilizes multiple NR bands, but cannot dynamically selectbands. In other words, the selection of bands is fixed. Despite theexistence of multiple NR Bands, an anchor LTE carrier assigns wirelessdevices to a single band or prioritized band unless the wireless deviceis outside of the coverage area of that band. If a wireless device hasthe capability to support all NR bands, it will be connected to theprioritized band unless it is out of the coverage area.

Thus, a large majority of wireless devices end up utilizing a single NRfrequency band and other NR bands are left un-utilized. Thisconfiguration negatively impacts wireless device performance,particularly in dense or congested environments. A solution is neededthat will fully utilize NR band capacity in order to enhance andmaximize wireless device performance.

OVERVIEW

Exemplary embodiments described herein include systems, methods, andnodes for assigning wireless devices to a frequency band. An exemplarymethod for assigning a wireless device to one of multiple frequencybands operates in a dual connectivity environment deploying multiplebands for a first RAT. The method includes determining a correspondingbandwidth for each of multiple bands and determining a total bandwidthfor the multiple bands deployed for the first RAT. The methodadditionally includes calculating a corresponding ratio for each band ofeach corresponding bandwidth to the total bandwidth for the multiplebands. The method further includes receiving a connection request at anaccess node from a wireless device for connection to the first RAT. Themethod further includes assigning the wireless device to one of themultiple bands based on the corresponding ratio.

In a further exemplary embodiment, an access node is provided thatincludes at least one processor programmed for performing multipleoperations. The operations include determining a corresponding bandwidthfor each of multiple bands for a first RAT, determining a totalbandwidth for the first RAT and calculating a corresponding ratio foreach band of each corresponding bandwidth to the total bandwidth for thefirst RAT. The operations further include receiving a connection requestfrom a wireless device, wherein the connection request is for connectionusing the first RAT. The method further includes assigning the wirelessdevice to one of the multiple bands of the first RAT based on thecorresponding ratio.

In a further exemplary embodiment, a method includes determining acorresponding bandwidth for each of multiple bands for a first RAT. Themethod further includes determining a total bandwidth for the multiplebands deployed for the first RAT and calculating a corresponding ratiofor each band of each corresponding bandwidth to the total bandwidth forthe multiple bands. The method additionally includes ranking each banddeployed for the first RAT based on the corresponding bandwidth andimposing a corresponding cap for wireless devices connecting to eachband based on the corresponding ratio. The method further includesassigning wireless devices to a highest ranked band until thecorresponding cap is reached. Embodiments of the method further includeassigning wireless devices a next ranked band until a cap for the nextranked band is reached until all ranked bands reach the correspondingcap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary system for wireless communication, inaccordance with the disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a 5G EN-DC radio accessnetwork.

FIG. 3 depicts an access node in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts a band assignment scenario in accordance with thedisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary method for frequency band assignment inaccordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts another exemplary method for assigning wireless devicesto frequency bands in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts another exemplary method for assigning wireless devicesto frequency bands in accordance with disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary embodiments described herein include systems, methods, accessnodes for assigning a wireless device to a frequency band, for example,in an EN-DC network based on the bandwidth of the available frequencybands. Thus, embodiments disclosed herein operate in networks utilizingan EN-DC architecture, which allows devices to access two differentRATs, such as both LTE and 5G, simultaneously on the same channels ordifferent channels encompassing various spectrum bands. Thus, a masternode may assign a wireless device to a frequency band, e.g. an NRfrequency band, selected from multiple frequency bands. The frequencybands may be provided by a master node or secondary nodes that transmitover a 5G NR RAT utilizing various frequency bands.

In embodiments disclosed herein, a cell or wireless network may beprovided by an access node. The access node may utilize one or moreantennas to communicate with wireless devices or user equipment (UEs).Performance at a particular wireless device may be dependent on a numberof factors including, for example, antenna performance parameters,network loading conditions, and wireless device location within a cellor a sector. Because certain network conditions are likely to result inpoor performance of wireless devices in the network, embodimentsprovided herein perform a method for assigning wireless devices to afrequency band in a manner calculated to optimize wireless deviceperformance throughout the network. The assignment of the wirelessdevices may be accomplished dynamically by a master node connected toone or more secondary nodes.

In embodiments set forth herein, assignment of wireless devices to aband is based on bandwidth. When the access node, processor, orprocessing node identifies a capable device, it may be programmed toassign wireless devices to a frequency band using a process thatconsiders based on a ratio of the bandwidth of the frequency band to atotal bandwidth of all available frequency bands for a particular RAT.In effect, connection requests are handled based on a ratio of eachbandwidth for each available band for a given RAT to the total bandwidthavailable for the RAT, e.g., 5G NR. Wireless devices are dynamicallydistributed to each band based on the corresponding bandwidth and thecorresponding ratio for the band. Embodiments described herein areparticularly effective in high capacity areas, where a master accessnode transmitting over one RAT air interface may interact with multiplesecondary nodes transmitting over a second RAT air interface. To achievehigher capacity, additional secondary nodes and/or additional frequencybands can be incorporated.

Therefore, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, methods andsystems assign wireless devices to a frequency band for a particular RATbased on total available bandwidth for that RAT. Wireless devices willfirst be assigned to a first band with the largest bandwidth until a capon the number of wireless devices that can be assigned to the first bandis reached. The cap is based on the ratio of the bandwidth of the firstband to the total available bandwidth for the RAT. Once the cap isreached, wireless devices are assigned to a second band with a secondlargest bandwidth until a second cap on the number of wireless devicesthat can be assigned to the second band is reached. The second cap isbased on the ratio of the bandwidth of the second band to the totalavailable bandwidth for the RAT. Once the cap is reached for the secondband, the wireless devices are assigned to the third largest band untila third cap is reached, and so on, until all caps are reached. After allcaps are reached, the method may again assign the wireless devices tothe first and largest band and repeat the process. Using this process, agreater portion of available bandwidth for the RAT is utilized and thusoverall network performance is improved.

The term “wireless device” refers to any wireless device included in awireless network. For example, the term “wireless device” may include arelay node, which may communicate with an access node. The term“wireless device” may also include an end-user wireless device, whichmay communicate with the access node through the relay node. The term“wireless device” may further include an end-user wireless device thatcommunicates with the access node directly without being relayed by arelay node.

The terms “transmit” and “transmission” in data communication may alsoencompass receive and receiving data. For example, “data transmissionrate” may refer to a rate at which the data is transmitted by a wirelessdevice and/or a rate at which the data is received by the wirelessdevice.

An exemplary system described herein includes at least an access node(or base station), such as an eNB or a gNB), and a plurality of end-userwireless devices. For illustrative purposes and simplicity, thedisclosed technology will be illustrated and discussed as beingimplemented in the communications between an access node (e.g., a basestation) and a wireless device (e.g., an end-user wireless device). Itis understood that the disclosed technology may also be applied tocommunication between an end-user wireless device and other networkresources, such as relay nodes, controller nodes, antennas, etc.Further, multiple access nodes may be utilized. For example, somewireless devices may communicate with an LTE eNB and others maycommunicate with an NR gNB. Other wireless devices may interact withboth an eNB and a gNB.

In addition to the systems and methods described herein, the operationsof assigning wireless devices to frequency bands based may beimplemented as computer-readable instructions or methods, and processingnodes on the network for executing the instructions or methods. Theprocessing node may include a processor included in the access node or aprocessor included in any controller node in the wireless network thatis coupled to the access node.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary system 100 for use in conjunction withembodiments disclosed herein. System 100 comprises a communicationnetwork 101, gateway 102, controller node 104, access nodes 110 and 120,and wireless devices 131, 132, 133, and 134. Access node 110 isillustrated as having a coverage area 115 associated with a firstfrequency band F1 and a coverage area 116 associated with a secondfrequency band F2. Thus, access node 110 is configured to deploy radioair interfaces utilizing a first frequency band F1 and a secondfrequency band F2. In this exemplary embodiment, access node 110 deploysa radio air interface utilizing frequency band F1 over a coverage area115 and a radio air interface utilizing frequency band F2 over acoverage area 116. F1 may be used for transmission over one RAT airinterface and F2 may be used for transmission over another RAT airinterface. Alternatively, both frequency bands may utilize the same RATair interface. The frequency bands F1 and F2 may have pre-definedbandwidths.

Access node 120 is illustrated as having a coverage area 125 associatedwith frequency band F3 and a coverage area 126 associated with afrequency band F4. Thus, access node 120 deploys a radio air interfaceutilizing frequency band F3 over a coverage area 125 and a radio airinterface utilizing frequency band F4 over a coverage area 126. F3 maybe used for transmission over one RAT air interface and F4 may be usedfor transmission over another RAT air interface. Alternatively, bothfrequency bands may utilize the same RAT air interface. The frequencybands F3 and F4 may have pre-defined bandwidths. Further, additionalfrequency bands and channels may exist in the coverage areas of accessnodes 110 and 120. In either case, each access node 110, 120 can deployone or more radio air interfaces that utilize one or more frequencybands, enabling wireless communication with wireless devices 131, 132,133, 134.

As shown herein, wireless devices 131, 132 attach to access node 110 viafrequency bands F1 or F2. Similarly, wireless devices 133, 134 attach toaccess node 120 via frequency bands F3 or F4. Although access nodes 110,120 and wireless devices 131, 132, 133, 134 are illustrated in FIG. 1 ,any number of access nodes and wireless devices can be implementedwithin system 100.

Wireless devices 131, 132, are located within coverage areas 115 and 116and access network services from access node 110. Wireless device 133and 134 are located within coverage areas 125 and 126 and access networkservices from access node 120. Further, wireless devices 132 and 133 arelocated within potential interference area 135 formed by an overlap ofcoverage areas 115, 116, 125, and 126.

Further, a scheduling entity (within, for example, one or both of accessnodes 110, 120, or controller node 104) may be configured to allocateresources and provide mobility instructions by instructing wirelessdevices to connect to a particular frequency band.

Access nodes 110, 120 can be any network node configured to providecommunication between wireless devices 131-134 and communication network101, including standard access nodes and/or short range, low power,small access nodes. For instance, access nodes 110, 120 may include anystandard access node, such as a macrocell access node, base transceiverstation, a radio base station, gNBs in 5G networks, or eNBs in 4G/LTEnetworks, or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, a macrocell accessnode can have a coverage area 115, 125 in the range of approximatelyfive kilometers to thirty five kilometers and an output power in thetens of watts. In other embodiments, access nodes 110, 120 can be asmall access node including a microcell access node, a picocell accessnode, a femtocell access node, or the like such as a home NodeB or ahome eNodeB device. Moreover, it is noted that while access nodes 110,120 are illustrated in FIG. 1 , any number of access nodes can beimplemented within system 100.

Access nodes 110, 120 can comprise processors and associated circuitryto execute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions toperform operations such as those further described herein. Briefly,access nodes 110, 120 can retrieve and execute software from storage,which can include a disk drive, a flash drive, memory circuitry, or someother memory device, and which can be local or remotely accessible. Thesoftware comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form ofmachine-readable instructions, and may include an operating system,utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other typeof software, including combinations thereof. Further, access nodes 110,120 can receive instructions and other input at a user interface. Accessnodes 110, 120 communicate with gateway node 102 and controller node 104via communication links 106, 107. Access nodes 110, 120 may communicatewith each other and with other access nodes (not shown) using a directlink such as an X2 link or similar.

Wireless devices 131-134 may be any device, system, combination ofdevices, or other such communication platform capable of communicatingwirelessly with access nodes 110, 120 using one or more frequency bandsdeployed therefrom. Wireless devices 131-134 may be, for example, amobile phone, a wireless phone, a wireless modem, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone, a voiceover packet (VOP) phone, or a soft phone, as well as other types ofdevices or systems that can exchange audio or data via access nodes 110,120.

Communication network 101 can be a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork, and can comprise processing nodes, routers, gateways, andphysical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among variousnetwork elements, including combinations thereof, and can include alocal area network a wide area network, and an internetwork (includingthe Internet). Communication network 101 can be capable of carryingdata, for example, to support voice, push-to-talk, broadcast video, anddata communications by wireless devices 131-134. Wireless networkprotocols can comprise MBMS, code division multiple access (CDMA) 1×RTT,Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Universal MobileTelecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA),Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), EV-DO rev. A, Third GenerationPartnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE), WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Fourth Generationbroadband cellular (4G, LTE Advanced, etc.), and Fifth Generation mobilenetworks or wireless systems (5G, 5G New Radio (“5G NR”), or 5G LTE).Wired network protocols that may be utilized by communication network101 comprise Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Local Talk (suchas Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance), Token Ring,Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode(ATM). Communication network 101 can also comprise additional basestations, controller nodes, telephony switches, internet routers,network gateways, computer systems, communication links, or some othertype of communication equipment, and combinations thereof

Communication links 106, 107 can use various communication media, suchas air, space, metal, optical fiber, or some other signal propagationpath—including combinations thereof. Communication links 106, 107 can bewired or wireless and use various communication protocols such asInternet, Internet protocol (IP), local-area network (LAN), opticalnetworking, hybrid fiber coax (HFC), telephony, T1, or some othercommunication format—including combinations, improvements, or variationsthereof. Wireless communication links can be a radio frequency,microwave, infrared, or other similar signal, and can use a suitablecommunication protocol, for example, Global System for Mobiletelecommunications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA),Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long TermEvolution (LTE), 5G NR, or combinations thereof. Communication links106, 107 may include Si communication links. Other wireless protocolscan also be used. Communication links 106, 107 can be a direct link ormight include various equipment, intermediate components, systems, andnetworks. Communication links 106, 107 may comprise many differentsignals sharing the same link.

Gateway node 102 can be any network node configured to interface withother network nodes using various protocols. Gateway node 102 cancommunicate user data over system 100. Gateway node 102 can be astandalone computing device, computing system, or network component, andcan be accessible, for example, by a wired or wireless connection, orthrough an indirect connection such as through a computer network orcommunication network. For example, gateway node 102 can include aserving gateway (SGW) and/or a public data network gateway (PGW), etc.One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that gateway node 102is not limited to any specific technology architecture, such as LTE or5G NR can be used with any network architecture and/or protocol.

Gateway node 102 can comprise a processor and associated circuitry toexecute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions toobtain information. Gateway node 102 can retrieve and execute softwarefrom storage, which can include a disk drive, a flash drive, memorycircuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local orremotely accessible. The software comprises computer programs, firmware,or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include anoperating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications,or some other type of software, including combinations thereof. Gatewaynode 102 can receive instructions and other input at a user interface.

Controller node 104 can be any network node configured to communicateinformation and/or control information over system 100. Controller node104 can be configured to transmit control information associated with ahandover procedure. Controller node 104 can be a standalone computingdevice, computing system, or network component, and can be accessible,for example, by a wired or wireless connection, or through an indirectconnection such as through a computer network or communication network.For example, controller node 104 can include a mobility managemententity (MME), a Home Subscriber Server (HSS), a Policy Control andCharging Rules Function (PCRF), an authentication, authorization, andaccounting (AAA) node, a rights management server (RMS), a subscriberprovisioning server (SPS), a policy server, etc. One of ordinary skillin the art would recognize that controller node 104 is not limited toany specific technology architecture, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE)or 5G NR can be used with any network architecture and/or protocol.

Controller node 104 can comprise a processor and associated circuitry toexecute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions toobtain information. Controller node 104 can retrieve and executesoftware from storage, which can include a disk drive, a flash drive,memory circuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local orremotely accessible. In an exemplary embodiment, controller node 104includes a database 105 for storing information, such as predeterminednoise thresholds and positions and characteristics of wireless devices131-134. The database may further store channel information, schedulingschemes and resource allocations for each of access nodes 110, 120 andwireless devices connected thereto, and so on. This information may berequested by or shared with access nodes 110, 120 via communicationlinks 106, 107, X2 connections, and so on. The software comprisescomputer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readableinstructions, and may include an operating system, utilities, drivers,network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software, andcombinations thereof. Controller node 104 can receive instructions andother input at a user interface.

Other network elements may be present in system 100 to facilitatecommunication but are omitted for clarity, such as base stations, basestation controllers, mobile switching centers, dispatch applicationprocessors, and location registers such as a home location register orvisitor location register. Furthermore, other network elements that areomitted for clarity may be present to facilitate communication, such asadditional processing nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/orwireless data links for carrying data among the various networkelements, e.g. between access nodes 110, 120 and communication network101.

The methods, systems, devices, networks, access nodes, and equipmentdescribed herein may be implemented with, contain, or be executed by oneor more computer systems and/or processing nodes. The methods describedabove may also be stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium.Many of the elements of communication system 100 may be, comprise, orinclude computers systems and/or processing nodes, including accessnodes, controller nodes, and gateway nodes described herein.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary system 200 for E-UTRAN-NR Dual Connectivity(EN-DC) using 4G LTE and 5G NR. The access nodes 110 and 120 shown inFIG. 1 may utilize EN-DC using 4G LTE and 5G NR as shown. As shown inFIG. 1 , the 4G LTE and 5G NR in a single node may be combined. System200 includes a communication network 201, a radio access network 202,and wireless devices 230 and 240. Radio access network further includesat least access nodes 210, 211, and 212.

In embodiments as set forth herein, access nodes 110 and 120 shown inFIG. 1 , may include all of nodes 210, 211, and 212 and may includeadditional nodes. Therefore, network 201 can include any combination ofnetworks, including a core network, intermediate/backhaul network, orpacket data network (PDN). Persons having ordinary skill in the art maynote that although only access nodes 210, 211, and 212, and network 201are illustrated in FIG. 2 , other components such as gateways,controller nodes, user plane functions, etc. may be included as well.

In this exemplary embodiment, access node 210 can include a gNodeB,access node 211 can include an eNodeB, and access node 212 can include agNodeB. In embodiments set forth herein, the access node 211 may be amaster node and nodes 210 and 212 can operate as secondary nodes. Inthis one-to-many configuration, the eNodeB 211 is designated as themaster node for wireless devices that can assign the wireless devices tothe secondary nodes 210 and 212, which are illustrated as gNBs. Forexample, access node 211 deploys a first wireless air interface 222using a first RAT, e.g., 4G LTE. Access node 210 can be configured todeploy a wireless interface 215 using a second RAT, e.g. 5G NR. Accessnode 212 deploys a wireless air interface 225, which can also utilize a5G NR RAT. Each RAT can be configured to utilize one or more differentfrequency bands or sub-band, a different channel size or bandwidth, andso on. For example, the 5G NR wireless interfaces 215 and 225 can beconfigured to utilize higher frequencies and larger channel bandwidthsthan the 4G LTE wireless interface 215. Further, the wireless devices230, 240 can be configured to communicate using both RATs at the sametime. For example, dual connections can be set up with one or both ofthe wireless devices 230 and 240 using both 4G and 5G air interfacesrespectively, the 4G wireless interface 222 being used to transmitcontrol information, and one of the 5G wireless interfaces (e.g. 5Ginterface 215) being used to transmit data information.

For example, a processing node communicatively coupled to access node211 can be configured to determine whether or not the wireless devices230 and 240 are capable of communicating using both RATs (e.g. capableof 5G EN-DC) . The processing node coupled to the access node 211 canfurther instruct the access node 211 to broadcast an indicator in, forexample, a system information message. Responsive to the indicator, thewireless devices 230 and 240 can attach to access node 211 which can usethe 4G carrier to control and set up a dual connectivity session withthe wireless devices 230, 240. Further, access node 211 can function asa master node and be configured to perform methods described herein toselect a frequency band for each wireless device requesting aconnection. Further, access nodes 210 and 212 (hereinafter “secondarynodes”) can each be coupled to access node 211 (hereinafter “masternode”) via X2 communication links.

Further, a processing node communicatively coupled to any of accessnodes 210, 211, 212 can be configured to allocate air interfaceresources to wireless devices 230 and 240 by selecting an appropriatefrequency band for connection of the wireless devices 230, 240.

Further, within radio access network 202, access nodes 210, 211, 212 canbe coupled via a direct communication link 207, which can include an X2communication link. Access nodes 210, 211, and 212 can communicatecontrol and data information across X2 communication links. In anexemplary embodiment, access node 211 includes logic to determine how toallocate data packets between access node 211 and the secondary accessnodes 210, 212, wherein the data packets flow between wireless devices230 and 240 and a network node on network 201. Such logic may include apacket data convergence protocol (PDCP) function. Thus, RAN 202 caninclude a plurality of antenna elements (not shown herein) coupled toaccess nodes 210, 211, 212, with different antenna elements configuredto deploy a different radio air interface using a different frequency.For example, each antenna element can be configured to deploy a 4G LTEair interface 222 or a 5G NR air interface 215, 225. Differentquantities of antenna elements can be configured to deploy (or“assigned” to) a different type of air interface 215, 222, 225,depending on the needs of a network operator or users. Further, in splitmode or “concurrent mode”, individual antenna elements can be configuredto simultaneously deploy at least two different air interfaces 215, 222,which enables wireless devices 230, 240 to transmit uplink data via twoair interfaces selected from 215, 222, and 225 simultaneously. In anexemplary embodiment, the eNodeB portion 211 of RAN 202 is configuredwith logic to determine a transmission path for data packets traversingRAN 202. The transmission paths can traverse different RAT airinterfaces 215, 222, 225. The one-to-many configuration illustrated inFIG. 2 allows a master node 211 to manage connections to multiplesecondary nodes 210, 212.

Further, the methods, systems, devices, networks, access nodes, andequipment described herein may be implemented with, contain, or beexecuted by one or more computer systems and/or processing nodes. Themethods described above may also be stored on a non-transitory computerreadable medium. Many of the elements of communication system 100 and/orRAN 202 may be, comprise, or include computers systems and/or processingnodes. This includes, but is not limited to: access nodes 110, 120, 210,211, 212, controller node 104, and/or network 101.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary access node 310. Access node 310 maycomprise, for example, a macro-cell access node, such as access node 310described with reference to FIG. 1 . Access node 310 is illustrated ascomprising a processor 312, memory 313, transceiver TX/RX 1 314, andantenna 1 315, transceiver TX/RX 2 316, antenna 2, 317, and scheduler318. The first transceiver 314 and antenna 315 may be provided fordeploying a radio air interface utilizing a first frequency band orfirst channel, and the second transceiver 316 and antenna 317 may deploya radio air interface utilizing a second frequency band or secondtransmission channel. Two pairs of transceivers and antennae areillustrated herein solely to simplify the written description, and itmay be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art, that anycombination of transceivers and antennae may be incorporated in order todeploy carriers of multiple frequencies, formed beams, MU-MIMO datastreams, and/or to facilitate communication with other network nodes onnetwork 301. Processor 312 executes instructions stored on memory 313,while transceivers 314 and 316 and antennas 315 and 317 enable wirelesscommunication with other network nodes, such as wireless devices andother nodes. For example, access node 310 may be configured to identifywireless device characteristics, determine a bandwidth of each frequencyband, rank the frequency bands according to bandwidth, determine a ratioof bandwidth of each frequency band to a total bandwidth for apredetermined RAT, and assign the wireless devices to a frequency bandbased on these factors. Scheduler 318 may be provided for schedulingresources based on the presence of the wireless devices. These featuresmay be enabled by access node 310 comprising two co-located cells, orantenna/transceiver combinations that are mounted on the same structure.Network 301 may be similar to network 101 discussed above. The wirelessdevices may operate in carrier aggregation mode, during which a wirelessdevice utilizes more than one carrier, enabling the wireless devices tocommunicate with access node 310 using a combination of resources frommultiple carriers.

Further, instructions stored on memory 313 can include instructions fordynamically assigning a wireless device to a frequency band, which willbe further explained below with reference to FIGS. 4-7 . Theinstructions may facilitate determining characteristics of a wirelessdevice, determining bandwidth of each frequency band, determining atotal bandwidth for a particular RAT, calculating a ratio of thebandwidth of each frequency band to the total bandwidth, ranking thefrequency bands, determining a cap for each frequency band, andassigning the wireless devices to a frequency band based on thesefactors.

FIG. 4 depicts a band assignment scenario in accordance with disclosedembodiments. An access node 410, which may be any of the access nodesdescribed above with reference to FIGS. 1-3 , may assign wirelessdevices 420, 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, and 440 to one of frequencybands 1, 2, and 3. In the displayed embodiment, the frequency bands 1-3may for example, be 5G NR bands. Band 1 may have a bandwidth of 100 MHz,band 2 may have bandwidth of 40 MHz, and band 3 may have a bandwidth of20 MHz. Thus, for the three bands utilizing 5G NR, the total bandwidthis 160 MHz. In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, a ratio maybe calculated for each band. Thus, a ratio for band 1 is equal to thebandwidth of band 1 divided by the total bandwidth, or 100/160, which is⅝. The ratio for band 2 is equal to the bandwidth of band 2 divided bythe total bandwidth or 40/160, which is 2/8. The ratio for band 3 iscalculated by dividing the bandwidth of band 3 by the total 5G NRbandwidth or 20/160, which is ⅛.

In addition to calculating ratios, the access node 410 or a processorassociated with the access node 410 ranks the bands. The bands areranked based on their bandwidths, with the band with the highestbandwidth being ranked first. Furthermore, the access node 410 or aprocessor associated with the access node 410 determines a capcorresponding to each band, which will be equal to the number of devicesthat can be assigned to a band during a session. The cap may becalculated based on the above-described ratios.

In operation, when an initial connection request is received, the accessnode 410 assigns capable devices to the first ranked band, which isillustrated as Band 1. Based on the ratio ⅝ for the Band 1, the accessnode 410 sets a cap of five devices. Accordingly, the access node 410may make the first five assignments of wireless devices 420, 422, 424,426, and 428 to Band 1. Once five devices are assigned to Band 1, theaccess node 410 determines that the cap for Band 1 has been reached andbegins assigning capable devices to Band 2. Because Band 2 has a cap oftwo devices based on its 2/8 ratio, the access node 410 assigns twowireless devices 430 and 432 to Band 2 and the cap is reached. Once thecap is reached the access node 410 assigns the next wireless device 440to Band 3. Because the cap for Band 3 is one device, the access node 410may continue by returning to Band 1 once the cap is reached for Band 3.

The numbers provided above are merely exemplary and the caps providedabove may be altered to assign additional devices as long as the capsare proportional to the calculated ratios. For example, Band 1 mighthave a cap of ten devices, Band 2 may have a cap of four devices, andBand 3 may have a cap of two devices. Accordingly, the access node 410provides a weighted round robin distribution pattern, by assigningdevices sequentially to the bands, while maintaining assignments tocorrespond to calculated ratios.

While FIG. 4 , is described in connection with access node 410, itshould be noted that a processor may be provided in any access node 410or may be included in controller node 104 and may be configured forcontrolling the access nodes. The processor may be configured forperforming wireless device assignment by assigning wireless devices to afrequency band based on the order of connection requests, the bandrankings, and the ratios described above. The assignment may occurdynamically in real time.

The disclosed methods for assigning wireless devices to frequency bandsbased on band rankings and calculated ratios are further discussed withreference to FIGS. 5-7 . FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method 500 forassignment of wireless devices to frequency bands in accordance withdisclosed embodiments. The steps illustrated in FIG. 5 may be performedby any suitable processor discussed herein, for example, a processorincluded in access node 110, 120, 210-212, or 310, or processor includedin access node 410 or controller node 104. For discussion purposes, asan example, method 500 is described as being performed by a processorincluded in access node 410.

Method 500 starts in step 510 when the access node 410 determines acorresponding bandwidth for multiple bands utilized by a particular RAT.For example, the access node 410 may determine that a first 5G NR bandhas a bandwidth of 100 MHz, that a second 5G NR band has a bandwidth of40 MHz, and that a third 5G NR band has a bandwidth of 20 MHz. In step520, the access node 410 determines the total bandwidth for theparticular RAT, which may be a 5G NR RAT. In the illustrated example,the total bandwidth is 160 MHz.

In step 530, the access node 410 calculates a ratio for each band of itscorresponding bandwidth to the total bandwidth for the RAT. Thus, theaccess node 410 calculates a corresponding ratio of ⅝ for Band 1, 2/8for Band 2, and ⅛ for Band 3. Further, in step 540, the access node 410ranks the bands based on the bandwidth. The band having the largestbandwidth, which has the highest ratio, will be the first ranked band,and the band having the smallest bandwidth, which will also have thelowest ratio, is the last ranked band.

In step 550, the access node 410 determines a cap for each band based onthe corresponding ratio. For example, with respect to the example inFIG. 4 , the cap on band 1 may be five, the cap on Band 2 may be two andthe cap on Band 3 may be one. Further, as long as the caps are setproportionately to the ratios, the caps may be higher. For example, thecap for Band 1 may be ten, the cap for Band 2 may be four, and the capfor Band 3 may be two. The caps correspond to the number for wirelessdevices that may be assigned to a band before moving to the next rankedband. In some instances, the caps may be limit by a spectral efficiencyof a particular band. Spectral efficiency refers to the information ratethat can be transmitted over a given bandwidth in a specificcommunication system. System spectral efficiency measures of thequantity of users or services that can be simultaneously supported by alimited radio frequency bandwidth in a defined geographic area. Thus, ifthe spectral efficiency of Band 1 indicates that only ten wirelessdevices can be supported, the cap would always be set at 10 wirelessdevices or fewer. The method as illustrated in FIG. 5 may be performedat intervals or in response to changes in a network.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method for assigning wireless devices to afrequency band that may be performed dynamically. The method of FIG. 6utilizes the ratios, rankings, and caps established in the method ofFIG. 5 . The steps illustrated in FIG. 6 may be performed by anysuitable processor discussed herein, for example, a processor includedin access node 110, 120, 210-212, 310, or 410 or processor included incontroller node 104. For discussion purposes, as an example, method 600is described as being performed by a processor included in access node410.

In step 610, the access node 410 receives connection requests fromwireless devices. In embodiments set forth herein, the access node 410determines in step 620, upon receiving the connection requests, that thedevices are capable of utilizing a 5G NR RAT, or other preferred RATwith multiple frequency bands. The determination may be made based onnumerous methods including communications received at the access node410 from the wireless device. For example, the wireless devices can usea UE CAPABILITY message to indicate (or report) capabilities of thewireless device to the access node 410. Alternatively, in anotherexemplary embodiment, wireless devices can be configured with a chipsettype or version, which may be provided to the access node 410 by thewireless devices during an ATTACH PROCEDURE. Other methods ofcommunicating whether the wireless device is capable of utilizing aparticular RAT may be used in conjunction with the disclosedembodiments.

In step 630, the access node 410 assigns capable wireless devices to afirst ranked band until the cap for the first ranked band is reached.The assignment of the wireless device to the selected frequency band maybe accomplished, for example, by an instruction sent by the access node410, to the wireless device for example by utilizing an RRC connectionreconfiguration message or another message or indicator directedspecifically to the wireless device.

In step 640, the access node 410 assigns wireless devices to the nexthighest ranked band until the cap on each band is reached. In step 650,the access node 410 determines whether lower ranked bands are available.If lower ranked bands are available in step 650, the access node 410assigns devices to the next ranked band until the cap for the nextranked band is reached. The access node 410 repeats steps 650 and 660until the wireless devices are all assigned or until no additional lowerranked bands are available. When no additional lower ranked bands areavailable in step 650, the access node 410 may return to assign devicesto the first ranked band in step 630.

The method of FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 for dynamic assignment ofwireless devices to a frequency band in a scenario with three differentfrequency bands. Method 700 may be performed by any suitable processordiscussed herein, for example, a processor included in access node 110,120, 210-212, 310, or 410, or a processor included in controller node104. For discussion purposes, as an example, method 700 is described asbeing performed by a processor included in access node 410.

In step 710, the access node 410 receives a connection request from adevice capable of communicating using a particular RAT. As set forthabove, the access node 410 may make the determination that the wirelessdevice is capable based on one of several methods. For example, theaccess node 410 may make the determination based on a UE CAPABILITYmessage. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, wirelessdevices can be configured with a chipset type or version, which may beprovided to the access node 410 by the wireless devices during an ATTACHPROCEDURE. Other methods of communicating whether the wireless device iscapable of utilizing a particular RAT may be used in conjunction withthe disclosed embodiments.

In step 720, the access node 410 assigns the capable wireless device tothe first ranked band. The assignment instruction may be sent by theaccess node 410 to the wireless device for example by utilizing an RRCconnection reconfiguration message or another message directedspecifically to the wireless device. In step 730, the access node 410may receive a connection request from another capable wireless device.Before assigning the wireless device to a band, the access node 410 maydetermine whether the cap for the first ranked band has been reached instep 735. If the cap has not been reached in step 735, the access node410 continues to assign devices to the first ranked band by returning tostep 720.

However, if the cap is reached in step 735, the access node 410 assignsthe capable wireless device to the second ranked band in step 740. Uponreceiving another connection request from a capable wireless device instep 750, the access node 410 determines if the cap for the secondranked band has been reached in step 755. If the cap for the secondranked band has not been reached in step 755, the access node 410returns to step 740 and continues to assign wireless devices to thesecond ranked band until the cap is reached in step 755.

When the cap is reached in step 755, the access node 410 assigns thecapable wireless device to a third ranked band in step 760. In step 770,the access node 410 receives another connection request from a capablewireless device. If the cap for the third ranked band has not beenreached in step 775, the access node 410 returns to step 760 andcontinues to assign wireless devices to the third ranked band until thecap is reached in step 775.

When the cap is reached in step 775, the access node 410 may return tostep 720 to begin the assignment process with the first ranked band inaccordance with the weighted round robin process disclosed herein.

In some embodiments, methods 500, 600, and 700 may include additionalsteps or operations. Furthermore, the methods may include steps shown ineach of the other methods. As one of ordinary skill in the art wouldunderstand, the methods 500, 600, and 700 may be integrated in anyuseful manner. Additionally, in order to optimize a heterogeneousnetwork, the methods disclosed may be performed for multiple devices inthe network so that the wireless devices can be appropriately assigned.

The exemplary systems and methods described herein may be performedunder the control of a processing system executing computer-readablecodes embodied on a computer-readable recording medium or communicationsignals transmitted through a transitory medium. The computer-readablerecording medium may be any data storage device that can store datareadable by a processing system, and may include both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media, and media readableby a database, a computer, and various other network devices.

Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include, but are notlimited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), erasableelectrically programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory or other memorytechnology, holographic media or other optical disc storage, magneticstorage including magnetic tape and magnetic disk, and solid statestorage devices. The computer-readable recording medium may also bedistributed over network-coupled computer systems so that thecomputer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.The communication signals transmitted through a transitory medium mayinclude, for example, modulated signals transmitted through wired orwireless transmission paths.

The above description and associated figures teach the best mode of theinvention. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Notethat some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of theinvention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the features described above can be combined in variousways to form multiple variations of the invention. As a result, theinvention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above,but only by the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: deploying multiple bands from a secondary node for a first radio access technology (RAT); determining a corresponding bandwidth for each of multiple bands; determining a total bandwidth for the multiple bands deployed for the first RAT; calculating a corresponding ratio for each band of each corresponding bandwidth to the total bandwidth for the multiple bands; ranking the bands based on the corresponding ratio; receiving a connection request from a wireless device at a master node, the wireless device connecting to the master node using a second RAT, the connection request requesting connection using the first RAT; and assigning the wireless device to one of the multiple bands for the first RAT based on the ranking, while the wireless device remains simultaneously connected to the second RAT.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the access node is an LTE master node operating in an EN-DC environment.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first RAT is 5G new radio (NR).
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the wireless device is an NR capable wireless device.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein a band having a highest bandwidth is ranked first and a band having a lowest bandwidth is ranked last and each other band is ranked sequentially based on the corresponding bandwidth.
 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising imposing a corresponding cap for each band on a number of wireless devices assigned to the band based on the corresponding ratio for the band.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising assigning each wireless device requesting a connection to the first ranked band until the corresponding cap for the first ranked band is reached.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising assigning each wireless device requesting a connection to a second ranked band after the corresponding cap for the first ranked band is reached.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising assigning each wireless device requesting a connection to a next ranked band after the corresponding cap for a previous band is reached until all ranked bands reach the corresponding cap.
 10. An access node comprising: at least one processor programmed for performing multiple operations, the operations including; determining a corresponding bandwidth for each of multiple bands deployed by a secondary access node for a first RAT; determining a total bandwidth for the first RAT; calculating a corresponding ratio for each band of each corresponding bandwidth to the total bandwidth for the first RAT; ranking the bands based on the corresponding ratio; receiving a connection request from a wireless device at the access node, the access node functioning as a master node, the wireless device connecting to the master node using a second RAT, wherein the connection request is for connection using the first RAT; and assigning, by the master node, the wireless device to one of the multiple bands of the first RAT deployed by the secondary access node based on the ranking, while the wireless device remains simultaneously connected to the second RAT.
 11. The access node of claim 10, wherein the access node is an LTE master node operating in an EN-DC environment.
 12. The access node of claim 11, wherein the first RAT is 5G new radio (NR).
 13. The access node of claim 10, wherein a band having a highest bandwidth is ranked first and a band having a lowest bandwidth is ranked last and each other band is ranked sequentially based on the corresponding bandwidth.
 14. The access node of claim 13, the operations further comprising imposing a cap on a number of wireless devices assigned to each band based on the corresponding ratio for the band.
 15. The access node of claim 14, the operations further comprising assigning each wireless device requesting a connection to the first ranked band until the cap for the first ranked band is reached.
 16. The access node of claim 15, the operations further comprising assigning each wireless device requesting a connection to a next ranked band after the cap for a previous band is reached.
 17. A method comprising: determining, at a master access node, a corresponding bandwidth for each of multiple bands deployed by a secondary access node for a first RAT; determining a total bandwidth for the multiple bands deployed for the first RAT; calculating a corresponding ratio for each band of each corresponding bandwidth to the total bandwidth for the multiple bands; ranking each band deployed for the first RAT based on the corresponding bandwidth and imposing a corresponding cap for wireless devices connecting to each band based on the corresponding ratio; and assigning, by the master node, wireless devices connected to the master node using a second RAT to a highest ranked band of the secondary access node until the corresponding cap is reached, while the wireless device remains simultaneously connected to the second RAT.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising assigning wireless devices a next ranked band until a cap for the next ranked band is reached until all ranked bands reach the corresponding cap. 